Hyundai Tucson III (TL) (2015 – 2020)

Reliability score : 8.2/10

The Hyundai Tucson III (internal code TL) represents a massive leap forward for the Korean brand, replacing the ix35 in Europe and unifying the global naming convention. Introduced in 2015, it offered a mature design, vastly improved interior materials, and a highly competitive 5-year unlimited mileage warranty. A significant facelift occurred in 2018 (Phase 2), bringing a redesigned front fascia, a modern floating infotainment screen, and crucial mechanical updates: the aging 1.7 CRDi was replaced by a cleaner, more efficient 1.6 CRDi (Smartstream), and 48V mild-hybrid (MHEV) technology was introduced to the diesel lineup. While North American markets suffered from severe petrol engine recalls (Theta II/Nu), the European diesel variants—which are the primary focus of this review—proved to

✅ Strengths

Exceptional reliability of the 2.0 CRDi diesel engine and its torque-converter automatic transmissions.
Spacious interior and generous cargo capacity (513 liters).
High level of standard equipment and intuitive ergonomics.
5-year unlimited mileage warranty means most used models were dealer-maintained.
Significant improvement in sound insulation and ride comfort compared to the previous ix35.

⚠️ Weaknesses

The 7DCT (dry dual-clutch) transmission is jerky at low speeds and prone to premature clutch wear.
Catastrophic engine failure risks on North American 2.0L and 2.4L petrol engines.
Pre-facelift (2015-2018) infotainment system feels dated and lacks Apple CarPlay/Android Auto on lower trims.
High fuel consumption on petrol AWD models.
Firm ride quality on models equipped with 19-inch alloy wheels.

🎯 Verdict

The Hyundai Tucson III (TL) is an excellent compact SUV, provided you choose the right powertrain. For European buyers: The diesel engines are the stars of the show. The 2.0 CRDi is a masterpiece of reliability and is highly recommended, especially paired with the traditional automatic gearbox. The 1.7 CRDi and 1.6 CRDi are great for daily use, but you must be cautious if buying a version with the 7DCT automatic, as clutch replacements are expensive. Manual versions of the smaller diesels are very safe bets. For North American buyers: The situation is drastically different. The 2.0L and 2.4L naturally aspirated engines are plagued by severe design flaws leading to engine seizures. Unless the engine has already been replaced and carries a lifetime warranty, these should be strictly avoided. The 1.6 T-GDI is a safer engine choice in NA, despite its quirky DCT transmission.